Overview and Gameplay
The Vic Viper enters Bacterian territory to reach and destroy the Zelos fortress. Seven horizontally scrolling stages feature enemy formations, ground defenses, terrain hazards, checkpoints, and bosses. Red capsules advance a power meter through Speed Up, Missile, Double, Laser, Option, and Barrier. Clearing the fortress starts another loop.
Controls And Mechanics
The directional pad moves the ship, A fires its active weapons, and B activates the highlighted meter item. Missile attacks targets below, Double adds an angled shot, Laser pierces enemies, and up to two Options follow the ship while copying its attacks. Barrier absorbs as many as five enemy shots, while blue capsules clear ordinary enemies from the screen.
Colliding with enemies, projectiles, or terrain destroys the ship, removes its upgrades, and returns play to a checkpoint. Two-player mode uses alternating turns, with each player controlling a separate ship stock and score.
Version Notes
This official promotional cartridge was distributed through a limited 1986 Archimendes noodle campaign. Archimendes packages replace the standard red power-capsule graphics, and the post-clear message includes promotional wording.
Release And Credits
- Release year: 1986
- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Original platform: Arcade
